Why is It Better to Take Raw and Unfiltered Selfies?

Remember when we were snapping photos, not giving much attention to details and angles of our faces? Those were the times when life was a little more carefree.
With the rise of social media, people tend to think of other people's expectations. People started caring about how they would look from others' perspectives. Because of that, people have taken advantage of technological advancements. It's our instincts to present ourselves in our best forms. That's why face-editing apps have become a hit, and they still are.

Facetune's developerLightricks said that they'd seen a 20% usage growth for their apps at the beginning of the pandemic. This might be because of people getting stuck at home, so they settled with making content. But that figure could still be growing. This could happen if more and more people realize how easy it is to alter their faces using these apps.
One way to combat dissatisfaction with your selfies is to prevent using these face-altering apps. Here are the reasons why it is better to take unfiltered selfies.


Good for your mental health
Filtered photos that you see on your timeline can greatly affect your mental health. Yes, it's agreeable that looking your best in pictures is gratifying. But an obsession with altering your face to satisfy your followers' expectations is not healthy at all. It's hard to look at a photo that you took yourself in a snap. But doing it many times would make you get used to it. You have to keep in mind that every person is unique. People have different facial features. If you learn to embrace yours, you're certainly contributing positively to your mental wellness.


Promotes self-care
You might not like your unfiltered selfies because of imperfections. Imperfections are inevitable. You'll have blemishes and pimples every once in a while. Since it's an unavoidable circumstance, everyone is prone to having skin imperfections. This prompts some to take care of themselves better.
It could not be the case for everyone, but most skin imperfections can be treated. They have to find the best acne scar treatment or any clinic that caters to their skin problems. Seeking skin treatments is a good practice for taking care of yourself. You can do a lot more to improve your facial aesthetic and feel happy about yourself.


Helps you to not conform
It's been a known fact that there is no perfect shot. Most have seen unrealistic body standards in a negative light. But people couldn't get enough of these photos. The most liberating way to oppose this norm is to go against the grain. Taking unfiltered selfies is unique.
It's like a protest to counter standards that social media have been accustomed to. The freckles on your face or your crooked nose will always be a part of your identity. You are different from everyone, and being unique is something you should celebrate. Not conforming to the beauty standards set by social media is a rewarding feeling.


Boosts self-esteem
Appreciating your beauty helps boost self-confidence. This can make you stop caring about what other people would say about your face. Let them take whatever they're seeing. Posting unfiltered selfies is empowering. It reveals the real you and how you usually look when no alterations are made. If you exude that energy of self-appreciation, it'll surely make your followers feel the same. You hold the power to boost your self-esteem. If there's one person who should love you wholeheartedly, it should be you first.


Inspires others
Helping yourself find beauty in your unedited selfies is the goal. But how fulfilling would it be if you could give off this vibe for others to do the same? Making yourself feel good can truly inspire others. If you posted selfies of your natural beauty and many liked them, it would motivate others to get out of their comfort zones.
This will give your followers a reason to appreciate their natural look. It's going to be a satisfying feeling for them to finally see someone who could display their true self. If you choose to make your Instagram feed serve a purpose, start with inspiring others. Build other people's self-confidence by boosting yours first.


The world of social media has dictated its users on how to present themselves on the platform. But turning your back from following the norms isn't exactly wrong. Your unfiltered and unadulterated selfies show who you really are. It's everybody's gateway to your true self. It's the closest representation of you in person. Those unedited selfies deserve to be given their exposure in this superficial world of social media.
edit.